This week, we begin a new sefer - a new book of Torah, Devarim - Deuteronomy. My dad had a quote he loved that he must have learned in high school German class - “Aller anfang ist shwer,” every beginninging is hard. This is the beginning of the book and also the beginning of the end of the Torah. In the sixth pasuk - verse, we readיְהֹוָ֧ה אֱלֹהֵ֛ינוּ דִּבֶּ֥ר...

We are delighted to announce that Cantor Audrey Klein has started this week in her role as Beth Tzedec’s Director of Family and Young Adult Engagement. Cantor Klein is responsible for overseeing family programming and serving as the spiritual and administrative leader in this area. In her new role, she is developing personal relationships with a community of more than 800...

If you are renewing your Generations Membership click here>>HAVE YOU HEARD THE NEWS?Beth Tzedec Congregation is continuing its no-fee membership program for those under 40.Click here>> to confirm your no-fee membership now. Or keep reading below for more details about this breakthrough initiative in Toronto’s Jewish community. What possessed us to do such a thing? It’s...

As we end the book of Bamidbar (Numbers), there is a continued theme of the vulnerable Children of Israel wandering through the desert. We get this sense that they are becoming more and more comfortable with sitting with the unknown and also working on the skill of asking questions when we are unsure. Here we see an essential tool that Ryla and I are also constantly supporting our children...

We are excited to announce that David Shapero has started in his new role as Cemetery General Manager.David will have responsibility for the overall business and operational leadership of the Beth Tzedec Memorial Park. In this position he oversees all aspects including staff and volunteers, finances, and the maintenance and development of the facilities.  David comes to Beth Tzedec...

This Shabbat begins the three weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av, the major fast and day of mourning that commemorates, among other things, the destruction of the first and second Temples in Jerusalem. It is a period of diminished joy. In these three weeks, it is customary not to have weddings, and in the eight days preceding the 9th of Av, there are customs not to cut hair and...

The adventures of the Israelites in the Trans-Jordan as described in this week’s double-portion of Hukkat-Balak (Numbers 19-25) are interesting, but what has long held my fascination are the six poems that supplement the narrative. Our ancestors were poets before they were prose storywriters. Biblical scholars are agreed that the poems pre-date the narratives. In some cases, such as the Song of...

Beth Tzedec is proud to partner with organizations and projects that support our values. When you make your annual membership contribution, we encourage you to consider supporting these important organizations and initiatives. $36 The Beth Tzedec Men's Club is committed to supporting our community, sponsoring exciting programs, courses...

The first verse of this week’s parshah contains a syntactic peculiarity. It begins with the phrase “Vayikaḥ Koraḥ” – and Koraḥ took. The rest of the verse then lists Koraḥ’s lineage along with that of Dathan and Abiram, leading men in the tribe of Reuben. In the Hebrew text, there is no direct object following the verb took. So, what exactly did Koraḥ...

We have some exciting and important news to share with you!Beth Tzedec Congregation is no longer charging membership to those under 40.Click here to confirm your no-fee membership now.What has possessed us to do such a thing? It’s simple, really. Because we want to invest in our relationship with YOU. We care about you and your connection to our community.So, what’s the catch? There...

Dear Friends, Earlier this week I was in New York City for the Rabbinical Assembly meetings (the international association of Conservative rabbis). I have been a member of the Nominations Committee for the last few years, and this was our first in-person meeting, all the others having been on Zoom. To be honest, I was curious why this particular meeting needed to be in person. It seemed to...

I like to think that one of the reason’s the characters of the Bible resonate through the ages is because they are not superheroes, rather, they flawed human beings like the rest of us. In this week’s parashah, Beha’alotekha, Moses is certainly showing his flaws: he is getting older and he is quick to anger.  And yet, it is in this parashah that we learn of what is perhaps...

Beth Tzedec Bulletin - Summer 2023 EditionThe latest edition of the Beth Tzedec Bulletin is available for download. Let's celebrate, learn, pray and connect as a community with the many opportunities offered throughout our quarterly catalogue of programs, events and articles.Don't miss any of the news and excitement, including:Divas on the Bima concert event (page 2);Patti Rotman's...

The song Mi Lo Yavoh by the talented Israeli artists Avraham Tal and Benaia Barabi, was written and inspired by the beginning of their friendship. The two met for the first time on the reality TV show "The Voice Israel", when Avraham was Benaya's mentor. They became friends, got to travel Asia together and write and perform songs together.In the song, they talk about...

This week we usher in Pride Month. Throughout June in Canada, the LGBTQ+ community is celebrated and brought into focus throughout public spaces and various cultural, educational and religious organizations. The celebration happens from within the community, as well as being led and supported by allies, family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours...everyone and anyone.  There are parties...